Fate of Bioplastic Industry in the European Region

There is a tremendous scope of bio-plastic industry in the region of European Union that is being revealed in the latest conference held in the Netherlands. The occasion was of “Renewables Plastics conference” that took place in 25-26 September, 2012 where various experts and leaders from the plastic industry congregated and convened to explore the opportunities present in this industry. The conference was joined by companies like IBM, Plastic Technologies Inc and Procter and Gamble where it was discussed to the potential of bio-plastic industry in the European region and the possible ways that can shape the bio-plastic industry in this region.

While talking to the industry professionals and experts the Chair of the conference, John Williams, opened the conference with his visionary remark that no-one can deny that bio materials are going to become more and more important in years to come and there is a tremendous potential for bioplastic companies to explore opportunities and avenues in the European Union. Viewing the importance of renewable sources of chemicals and plastics the EU will spend €500bn in importing fuel this year alone and yet biopolymers still only account for 1% of the materials market.

However all the participants is of the opinion that one sphere of plastic industry that needs to be worked upon is “Recycling”. We have not been able to exploit and use this sphere in its fullest potential and there is a need for tremendous effort. While speaking to the attendee one of the participants said that “We are pretty poor at having end-of-life systems that valorise materials,” he said, explaining that consumers often recycle according to what the object is, instead of by material type. Francois de Bie from Purac agreed that recycling is an issue but during his talk pointed out innovative schemes that are coming into action across Europe.

He also added that there are many companies who have been working pretty well in the sphere in Germany like REPLA Cycle. The facility is a closed-loop cycle waste management scheme for bioplastic. To deliver effective and quality product the company uses infrared technologies separate PLA and the ratio of input and output is pretty economical.

Companies were agreed on the fact that there is a need for collective efforts in the field of bio-plastic and such conferences will help us exploring the opportunities lies ahead and it would help us clear the obstacles and hurdles that are present in the sector.